United Church of Christ
United in Spirit and inspired by God’s grace, we welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.
The Minnesota Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) equips a courageous Church alive with Christ’s transforming love.
Where the Creator and creation pray, play, and wonder together
The Outdoor Ministry of the MN Conference UCC offers events for individuals and families of all ages, abilities, and stages of life to experience rest, renewal, and reconnection through a retreat or camp experience. Our goal is to create opportunities for people across the Conference to fall in love with God’s creation, encounter the sacred in the natural world, and experience the deep interconnectedness of nature, human community and one’s own soul.
Winter 2023 Zoom Series: Environmental Justice
Topic: Farm Bill
January 12, 2023
Listen to the Zoom conversation
Topic: Microplastics in the Great Lakes
February 9, 7:00-8:00 pm CST
Listen to the Zoom conversation
Download helpful microplastic resources
Topic: Mining Pollutants in Our Watersheds and Soil
March 9, 7:00-8:00 pm CST
Listen to the Zoom conversation
Upcoming Opportunities for Youth
Spring 2023 Youth Gathering
April 28-30, 2023 | Camp Onomia, Onamia
REGISTER
For youth 6th-12th grades. Lori Alford, a licensed marriage and family therapist and long-time faith formation leader in the Minnesota Conference UCC, will guide youth through activities and experiences that help them listen to their bodies, practice stillness and quiet, open up “heart spaces” for connection, and tap into their innate capacity to know, love, and connect.
Summer Youth Camp
July 5-7, 2023 | Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, Sandstone
For youth entering 6th grade through graduating seniors. Swim, canoe, hike, and meet some birds of prey. Let’s explore the connection of eco-justice and faith while connecting with new friends and eating some great food! MORE
Summer 2023 Youth Trip to Washington, DC
July 21-28, 2023 | MORE
Fall Youth Conference Event
October 6-8, 2023 Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center
Through playful discussions, activities, and music, we will reimagine our “wild and precious life” that speaks to who we are, what we value, and how our faith can guide us in the world. MORE
Adult & Intergenerational Retreats & Camps
Women’s Retreat
September 8–10, Camp Onomia
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Women’s Wilderness Walk: From the Inside Out
September 22-24, Walking Space, Houston MN
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2023 Queer Walk
September 29–Oct 1, Walking Space, Houston MN
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2023 Faith Formation Leader Retreat
October 22-24, ARC Retreat Community
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Bayport Day Camp
August 5, People’s Park, Bayport
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
Mankato Day Camp
August 6, First Congregational UCC, Mankato
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
We were able to safely gather—completely outside—for the Women’s Wilderness Retreat September 24–26. Watch this brief video we made in celebration of our time together.
Outdoor Ministry Newsletter
Past Creation Justice Webinar Series (2021-2022)
Great Lakes Creation Care Series #1: “Treaties Broken, Earth and Lives in Crisis: How do we change the narrative for the land and all its people?”
WATCH & LISTEN
Great Lakes Creation Care Series #2: “Treaties Broken, Earth and Lives in Crisis: “Good Money After Bad: How to invest in creation care”
WATCH & LISTEN
VIEW RESOURCE LIST
Planetary Health- Co-Creating a Better Future for All
WATCH & LISTEN
“Kiss the Ground” documentary discussion with Rep. Todd Lippert and the Land Stewardship Project
WATCH & LISTEN
What is Permaculture?
WATCH & LISTEN
How Then Shall We Live? Putting Faith Values into Earth Practice
WATCH & LISTEN
The Green Awakening: Churches and Environmental Justice Today
WATCH & LISTEN
Creation Justice Resources
- How to become a Creative Justice church
- Mankato UCC service and outreach
- Land Stewardship Project legislative update
- Land Stewardship Project soil builders
- Land Stewardship Project “Sacred Cow” film screening; Q&A
- Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act
- Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light
- ISAIAH
- Fair Trade Campaigns
- Equal Exchange
- Sierra Club
- NAACP
- 350.org
- Planetary Health Annual Meeting
- Planetary Health Alliance
- Earth Overshoot Day
- Lancet Journal
- Project Drawdown
- Nurses Drawdown
- The Great Transition
- The Green Boat by Mary Phyfer
- Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken
- Earthrise by Amanda Gorman
- The Seven Fires Prophesy of the Anishinaabe